Singer, songwriter, composer, poet and political activist Serj Tankian has chosen Lark Musical Society to premiere his new symphonic composition “100 Years” that he co-wrote with New Zealand composer John Psathas.
Tankian is best known as the front man for the heavy metal band System of a Down, whose music achieved worldwide recognition. Alongside his career as a singer/songwriter, Tankian has established himself as a composer, poet, multi-instrumentalist, and political activist.
The event will take place at the prestigious Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena on Sept. 20. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.Itsmyseat.com or calling (818) 500-9997.
Tankian and Psathas wrote “100 Years” for the centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Lark Musical Society is proud to have this honor and will use it to mark the beginning of 100 events sponsored by Lark, in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
The program, titled “Perennial Pilgrims,” will also feature choruses from Wagner, Verdi, Tchouhadjian, Tigranian as well as two acts from Serj Tankian’s Orca Symphony.
As the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide approaches, we reflect on the Armenian character defined in the post-Genocide century. Forced into a worldwide Diaspora, Armenians have carried their story wherever they have settled. It is in language, in faith, in music, in food, that identity has taken root, community has formed, and memory preserved. Like pilgrims we wander the earth, the motherland fixed in our hearts, with ever an eye towards that future return.
During the coming year 100 events will mark Lark’s centennial commemoration, beginning with this two-part concert. First, we draw from the world of Opera. Taking selections of Verdi, Purcell, Wagner, Tchouhadjian, and Tigranian, The Lark Mastersingers under the direction of Maestro Vatsche Barsoumian, will present a multicultural expression of that universal nostalgia for home.
The second half follows with selections from Symphony No. 1 “Orca” by Serj Tankian, a melodic meditation on the wandering and lonely whale.
The evening will culminate with the fitting commemorative piece “100 Years,” the world premiere of the orchestral composition by Tankian and John Psathas. Lark Musical Society is deeply proud to partner with this active and passionate member of the Armenian community and internationally celebrated musician.
Lark Musical Society is a non-profit organization based in Glendale, California, dedicated toward the preservation and enrichment of classical and Armenian music through performance, education and research.
